Boris Johnson fell foul of legislation he introduced himself as prime minister – when he was reportedly turned away from a polling station after failing to take photographic identification.
Mr Johnson, who quit as PM after three years in 2022, had been trying to cast his vote in the local elections in South Oxfordshire, according to Sky News.
But polling station staff had to turn the former Conservative Party leader away because he could not produce any ID, Sky said.
Showing a document with a photo identifying the voter has been compulsory since the Elections Act 2022 took effect last year.
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Elections are taking place in 107 local authorities across the country, with 2,636 seats up for grabs.
A spokesman for Mr Johnson did not deny he had failed to bring ID, adding he did manage to vote on Thursday.
In 2021, the then prime minister and Tory leader said: “What we want to do is protect democracy, the transparency and the integrity of the electoral process. And I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask first-time voters to produce some evidence of identity.”
Voters arriving at polling stations are now required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge.
Other forms of identity that will be accepted include biometric residence permits, defence identity cards, and national identity cards issued by the European Union, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
Under Mr Johnson’s legislation, ministers argued the change was required to reduce electoral fraud.
Separately on Thursday, a Tory MP begged local members in his constituency for help after he was caught short without voter ID .
Tom Hunt, MP for Ipswich asked local members to act as his “emergency proxy” after he found that he had no appropriate ID to vote in the local council elections.
A police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley is being selected in the seat of South Oxfordshire.
The Independent has tried to contact Mr Johnson’s team for comment.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
